Medical Device Link.

PACKAGING RESOURCE CENTER

Recyclable Bags

A line of bags provides hygienic handling of sensitive materials with easy access. The Ripp ‘n’ Flow Bag eliminates the need for sharp implements such as knives or scissors to open sacks. The bags have perforations designed to allow excess air to escape, sealing the content firmly and preventing reinflation during transport. Its Block Bottom feature allows the bags to stand un- supported and palletize uniformly, and it eliminates bag overhang after palletization. The tamper-evident design is available in multiple substrate configurations, which are 100% re­cyclable. KNF Flexpak Corp., Tamaqua, PA; 570/386-3550; www.knfcorporation.com.

Debagging Machine

A device automatically opens and separates contents from packaging. The Debagger suits operations where bulk-packaged items are emptied and separated for additional processing. The system can accommodate a variety of package sizes and contents, reducing labor for processors in many applications. The device is fitted with knives that make very fine cuts in the packaging without damaging its contents. Opened packaging and contents are carried into a separation drum, where they are disassembled until products have passed through the drum sieve. External packaging is conveyed to a waste container. Laitram Machinery Inc., Harahan, LA; 504/733-6000; www.laitram.com.

Flexible Film

An extruded PP-based flexible film provides high transparency, and puncture resistance, and can be sealed and autoclaved. The film shows little shrinkage up to 140ºC. Tekniflex Med suits steam sterilization at 121ºC and serves as a moisture barrier. The film is plasticizer and halogen free. The outside layer resists heat, while the product-contact layer melts at a lower temperature to seal to another inner layer. The core layer provides flexibility. Tekni-Plex Europe N.V., Erembodegem, Belgium; +32 53 650711; www.tekni-plex.be.

Medical Films

A line of films for medical-device packaging can form web materials, peelable lid stock, and other customized film-based disposable products and packages. The three- to seven-layer Optym forming web  materials seal to a variety of lid stocks, including film, paper, and Tyvek. The peelable lid stock films in the Optym collection print in 10 colors and can be coextruded up to seven layers. This film does not require coatings for sealing, eliminating a source of potential contamination. Pliant Corp., Schaumburg, IL; 866/ 236-9016; www.pliantcorp.com.

Permanent-Antistatic Film

A new film provides permanent static dissipative properties. ArmorFlex 110’s antistatic film can be applied to drum liners, containment systems, and liners with sampling sleeves. It has a shelf life of five years and can withstand temperatures from -20°C to 40°C. ArmorFlex 110 can be heat sealed; it has a tensile strength of 4500 PSI, a tear strength of 600 pound-force/in., and can elongate up to 600%. ILC Dover, Frederica, DE; 302/335-3911; www.ilcdover.com.

A miniature robotic open, fill, and seal system processes premade barrier pouches and bags to package medical devices and diagnostic test kits. The 5×4–ft Pouchmaster ABS (Automatic Bar Seal) System is cleanroom compatible and can be used to follow FDA’s good manufacturing practices. Options include a snorkel vacuum and flush for modified-atmosphere and controlled-atmosphere packaging and emboss coding for lot numbers and expiration dates. It handles pouches 12 × 12 in. or multiples thereof. Production rates of 40-to-60 pieces per minute are common when processing four pouches per cycle. The ABS system automatically picks the filled pouches from the indexing head and places them into the jaws of the PID cartridge–controlled heater bar. Closed-loop alarms limit checks for temperature and pressure and ensure heat-seal integrity. About Packaging Robotics Inc., Thornton, CO; 303/449-2559; www.aboutpackagingrobotics.com.